The 12-minute workout that keeps Dame Helen looking fabulous at 79

DAME Helen Mirren says people on a new year health kick needn't splurge on gyms - she still swears by a 12-minute daily routine at home.

- Frances Millar

The actress has been doing the XBX workout based on a Canadian military regime since the 1960s.

XBX which stands for ten basic exercises - was designed in the 1950s by Dr Bill Orban to boost the fitness of women recruits to the Canadian Air Force.

The moves, including sit-ups and toe touches, do not need equipment to increase muscle tone, flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiac efficiency and are an early form of interval training.

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